Egyptian Coptic Cleric Hails Pope Francis & His Middle East Messages

Pope Francis’ call for human fraternity is not just idle talk, as we are used to hearing from the leaders in the Arab world, but rather a comprehensive approach that includes dialogue with and working for the millions of poor and needy in the region, which is rippling with political and economic turmoil. 

Pope Urges Congo Catholics to Press Beyond Ethnic, Regional Divides

On his second day in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis told Catholics to go beyond ethnic and regional divides in fostering peace, stressing forgiveness and conversion to overcome the violence and divisions currently tearing apart the country with Africa’s largest Catholic population.

U.S. Watchdog Urges Special Attention to Anti-Christian Carnage in Nigeria

As the persecution of Christians in Nigeria continues, a member of the U.S. government’s international religious freedom watchdog has urged the State Department to designate Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and recommended the appointment of a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.